July 2, 2008

BVCASA Gets Grant for at-Risk Women

Jul. 2--New education and intervention programs for pregnant and postpartum women will soon be available in the Brazos Valley, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Department of State Health Services.

Officials with the Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse said they would use the grant to help women at risk for substance abuse. The money will also be used to address infant health.

BVCASA Director of Prevention and Intervention Services Mary Mattingly said she is excited to add the programs to the agency's services.

The programs will teach women about the effects drugs and alcohol could have on their children. Infant care, parenting classes and counseling will also be offered.

Mattingly said the grant would help broaden programs such as Baby Luv. The agency's case management service, which is set to begin in September, will coordinate assistance for mothers and offer referrals.

"It's very difficult to get through the health services maze," she said. "We are trying to help and make things easier.

"This is important because it helps reduce the potential for fetal alcohol and drug-abuse syndrome," Mattingly said. "We're trying to prevent anything that takes away from a developing child."